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Quick Tomato Zucchini Pasta – Healthy & Easy to Prepare

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This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the harmony of sweet tomatoes, tender zucchini, and al dente pasta in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into rounds)
  • 2 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • ¼ cup of fresh basil (chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta perfectly al dente: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and stir briefly to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the zucchini until golden and tender: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini in a single layer; avoid overcrowding. Sauté for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Develop flavors with tomatoes and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Combine all components: Return the sautéed zucchini to the skillet with the softened tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything well to coat the pasta with the tomato juices and oil. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamier consistency.
  5. Finish with basil and season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, and season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything again to distribute the spices and basil evenly.
  6. Serve and enjoy your homemade pasta: Plate your delicious Tomato Zucchini Pasta. Optionally, garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra salty, umami note. Serve the pasta warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: For the best texture, lightly salt the sliced zucchini and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before sautéing to draw out excess moisture. Use a large skillet to ensure the zucchini caramelizes properly without steaming.

Find it online: https://homestylerecipes.de/schnelle-tomaten-zucchini-pasta-gesund-einfach-zubereitet/